President's Convo Kicks off New Year

Bluefield College ceremoniously kicked off the 2011-‘12 academic year with the pomp and circumstance of its annual President’s Convocation, August 30.

September 25, 2012

President David Olive addresses students during the BC's traditional President's Convocation to kick of a new academic year.

New BC students sign an honor code as part of a matriculation ceremony into the student body.

President David Olive welcomed students, faculty and staff to the school’s 91st academic year. Other dignitaries offered similar greetings, including BC’s chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. David Bailey, Jr.; president of the faculty Mimi Merritt; president of the Alumni Association Dan Agee; and Student Government Association president Megan Hardison.

“I encourage you to meet people, get involved, and participate in activities on campus,” Hardison told her fellow classmates. “Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow, and make the best of every moment.”

In his convocation address, Dr. Olive encouraged students to remember four important “Cs” throughout the year -- “classes, choices, character and care.” He urged them to “attend and participate in classes” and to “think long and hard about the choices (they) make. He reminded them that “character is best defined by the actions (they) take when no one else is around to see.” And, he advised them to take “care” of themselves, both physically and spiritually.

The president also spoke about the faculty and staff’s commitment to help each student realize their greatest potential and to find their purpose in life.

“Sometimes we find that resources are inadequate, but don’t let that hinder you,” said Dr. Olive. “Your faith in Christ alone will get you over the obstacles. Through the power of Christ, we will prevail and continue to be a beacon on this hill and a place where God is glorified each day.”

The President’s Convocation also included the formal induction of new students into the BC student body through the reading of commitment statements and the signing and pledging of honor codes. The students pledged to “turn our hearts and minds toward wisdom,” “be a blessing to each other,” and “follow standards of conduct.”